By Scarlett Santiago and Jordan McGee The Arena Chapel By Scarlett Santiago and Jordan McGee

Giotto di Bondone Born 1267 Religion: Roman Catholic Not much was known about his early years till about 30 During 1304 and 1306 finished a cycle of frescoes Founder of Italian school of paintings (1276) Got married 3 sons and 3 daughters Very little known about his life

Giotto Di Bondone Controversy on what paintings are truly his Successors Taddeo & Bernardo Daddi Form, content and freedom of expression had influence on development of European painting

Some Paintings in the Chapel Most famous Noli Me Tangere

Expulsion of Joachim from the Temple In this scene Joachim is expelled from the temple, his offering is deemed to be unacceptable because he and his wife are childless. The void at the right is intended to suggest the figurative and psychological void that follows his rejection. But the emptiness also suggests that there is something to follow.

Joachim Retires to the Sheepfold Ashamed to go home after his expulsion from the temple, the dejected Joachim returns to his sheepfold. All of the figures are kept below the crest of the hill, whose barren, flinty nature reflect his spiritual desperation. Even his little dog, sensing something is wrong, seems to hesitate in mid-leap.

The Annunciation of Anna Joachim's wife, Anna is extremely worried when her husband does not return from the temple. While she weeps over her husband's absence, an angel appears and announces that she will bear a child who is to be named Mary. Giotto has created an authentic atmosphere in the room by using such elements as a trousseau chest, a cassone, and the utensils on the wall. The separation of husband and wife is essential to the narrative: only now while she is alone can the angel appear.

The Sacrifice of Joachim The scene is shifted back to Joachim's sheepfold, where he is shown making a personal sacrifice to God. As the sacrificial sheep still burns on the altar, the hand of God appears in the sky to bless Joachim and accept his offering.

The Vision of Joachim A sleeping Joachim has a vision in which an angel appears to tell him that his wife Anna will bear a child. This will be Mary, as she will be born of a barren mother, so will she herself, in wondrous wise, beget the Son of the Most High. There is hardly a scene in the chapel that matches this one for lyrical beauty. The swift gracious flight of the angel is in keeping with the visionary words he brings. Although this is Joachim's dream, the two shepherds, and even his dog, seem to sense the divine presence in the sky.